Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, attended the Bilbrook and Codsall Scouts Carnival, over the weekend.
Gavin judged the procession of floats, alongside the Chairman of Codsall Parish Council.
In addition to the procession of floats, there was also a display by the Lanesfield Boys and Girls Brigade Marching Band, a short display by the Crimson Tide Cheer and Dance Squad and a display by the Tally-Ho Marching Display Band.
The Bilbrook & Codsall Scouts Carnival is the local Scout’s main annual fundraising event. The group is extremely popular amongst local youngsters and currently has a waiting list for membership.
The Carnival raises money both for the maintenance of the Scouts’ building and the members’ activities throughout the year.
This event was particularly important, as the building was the target of arson, last year. It could not be used for eight to nine months and all of the Group’s equipment was lost in the fire.
While insurance covered the majority of the damage done to the building, much of the equipment still needs to be replaced.
It is not only the Scouts that will benefit from the carnival. A series of local charitable organisations also had stands at the event in a bid to raise awareness and funds for their worthwhile causes.
On attending the event, Gavin said: “I very much enjoyed seeing the floats on Saturday. This was the second time that I have had the opportunity to judge the procession and, just like two years ago, the effort that all the participants put in was extremely impressive.
“Carnivals, such as this one, are incredibly important to our community. I, myself, live in Codsall, and am aware of how many organisations benefit from this event. The attack on the local Scouts’ building, last year, was disgusting. The Scouts, which is run by numerous volunteers, does a huge amount to help local youngsters and I really hope that people contributed generously at the carnival to help them replace some of the equipment that was lost in the fire.”
In advance of the event, Carnival Secretary and Assistant Club Scout Leader Dianne Head said: “We just hope that it is a fun day for everyone who attends. It would be wonderful if we could raise some money for a few of our local causes, as well as funds that will enable us to offer a further 12 months of scouting for the youngsters.